Movie Reviews & Interviews from Washington

‘Brave’ Review: Stunning Visuals Overpower Weak Pixar Story

There’s just something special and unique about the beauty and story of Pixar films. Pixar’s first feature-length film, Toy Story touched all our hearts with Woody and Buzz as the soulful toys who formed an unlikely friendship; Wall-E gave us a story of loneliness and love, and is one of the best films I’ve ever seen; Ratatouille presented us with a little rat who could cook; while Monsters, Inc. proved that one-eyed green ghouls could be cute, too.

Unfortunately for Pixar’s most recent film Brave, its story and leading character is no match for the studio’s other films.

The film opens in the hills of Scotland and we are introduced to a young Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), a happy, free-spirited princess who looks up to her mother, the Queen (Emma Thompson) and father, the King (Billy Connolly). It’s Merida’s birthday and she is presented with a bow and arrow from her father, despite her mother’s objections.

As Merida grows older, she develops into a bit of a “tomboy”, is completely disinterested in being a princess and throughout the years has become quite the expert at shooting.

When it comes time for Merida to find a suitor, her mother insists on picking one of the three rather goofy boys who come for her hand. Of course, the fiery Merida refuses to get married, argues with her mother and runs off to the forest.

It’s at this point in the story that the film leaves the Pixar world and completely transforms into a Disney film. I don’t want to give the “twist” away, but the plot line becomes dis-interesting.

It’s a shame too, because Merida really is a wonderful character, but I feel like her character was dropped into a poor script 30 minutes into the film. I almost hope Pixar decides to make a sequel on this film so we can explore her character a bit more, after all this is the first female led Pixar movie!

The Pixar visuals of enchanting Scotland, the voice acting, the 3D are all a 5/5, but the story is a 2/5, hence the 2.5/5 star rating.

Overall Brave presents us with an intriguing and fun lead character, but halfway through the film, her storyline vanishes and we are whisked away in to another one far less enjoyable.